The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss two significant development proposals. The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission for the redevelopment of 3 Highland Road, London, and also granted conditional planning permission for the mixed-use development at 49 Brixton Station Road and 6 Canterbury Crescent, London, subject to the completion of Section 106 agreements.

3 Highland Road, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at 3 Highland Road and the erection of a part two, three, and four-storey building, plus a lower ground floor, to create 16 new residential units. This decision was made despite objections concerning heritage harm, design, impact on the local community, and structural concerns. Officers acknowledged these points but concluded that the proposal would not harm heritage assets and balanced the provision of 16 new homes against an in-lieu contribution of £290,842 towards off-site affordable housing. Councillor Scott Ainslie voted against the proposal, citing concerns about its sustainability credentials and the level of affordable housing contribution.

49 Brixton Station Road and 6 Canterbury Crescent, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for a major residential-led mixed-use development at 49 Brixton Station Road and 6 Canterbury Crescent. The scheme includes 288 homes, of which 98 will be affordable (all Social Rent), alongside flexible commercial space, workspace, an enterprise and community hub, and market trader infrastructure. The decision was made despite concerns raised about heritage harm, particularly to the Brixton Conservation Area and the Grade II* listed Church of St Matthew, as well as impacts on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties. Officers concluded that the identified harm was less than substantial and was outweighed by significant public benefits, including the provision of much-needed housing and affordable homes. Councillor Scott Ainslie again voted against the proposal, reiterating concerns about sustainability and the heritage impacts. The committee also agreed to include several informatives in the decision notice, relating to local jobs, play space contributions, wayfinding, and off-site tree planting.

The meeting also addressed the relocation of existing tenants from International House, with officers outlining a comprehensive support package including brokerage services, informal advice on lease arrangements, and financial contributions towards conveyancing costs. The committee also discussed the carbon footprint of the development, with the applicant's consultant confirming that the correct methodology had been applied to the whole-life carbon assessment. Concerns were raised by Councillor Ainslie regarding the potential for creative accounting in the carbon figures, but this was refuted by the consultant.

The committee voted to grant planning permission for the Brixton development, with Councillors Nye, Bailey, Costa, Clark, and Simpson voting in favour, and Councillor Ainslie voting against.